Smith Lawyers Try to Bar Discussion in Case

Published: May 24, 1991

MIAMI, May 23—
Defense lawyers have asked a Florida circuit court to bar prosecutors and the police from public discussion of the rape case against William K. Smith in Palm Beach.

The motion, filed on Wednesday in West Palm Beach, also asked that the court strike from its record a police affidavit on which the charges were based. The Palm Beach County prosecutor, David H. Bludworth, charged Mr. Smith on May 9 with a second-degree count of sexual battery, Florida's legal term for rape, and a first-degree misdemeanor battery count.

Citing news reports about the case, the motion accuses the police and Mr. Bludworth of violating Florida rules that prohibit public discussion of criminal cases.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Moira Lasch, responded today by asking the court to dismiss the defense request. "Despite its incredible verbosity, self-serving declarations and length, the defendants' memorandum cites no Florida law authorizing the relief requested," Ms. Lasch wrote.